"I wouldn't want that. Not for you," he replied softly. Hallucinations wouldn't make things better, and David didn't deserve to suffer like that. "I can't come back, and no amount of wishing or bargaining can change it." The tears still gleaming in his brother's eyes made Elliot feel... He wasn't sure what he was feeling. It wasn't really sadness, although he felt as though it would be appropriate to cry right now. To show David that he was just as torn up about leaving the world of the living as David was.
As he listened to the explanation of why David hadn't acknowledged him earlier, Elliot shuffled his foot across the ground, watching as his boot passed through one of the pots holding several tomato sprouts. He found himself regretting not spending much time out here, nor even helping Rae with the construction of the greenhouse buildings. He'd been too busy in the infirmary those days. Everything about this place reminded him of Rae... and how much he needed to get a final farewell message to her. So she could move on.
"So you were just gonna give up on me." It wasn't a fair thing to say, no, but that's how he felt. David was just going to ignore his pleas for attention, for acknowledgement of his existence, because it was easier. He sighed — more for the need to make a noise of exasperation, than for any need of taking a breath. "That wasn't fair of me to say. Sorry. I guess I can understand that. People calling you crazy..." And Elliot not being around in a tangible form to defend David. That was the worst.
Elliot's focus completely fled from the plants when David began to apologize. "What? No. No, this isn't your fault." He shook his head. Was that why he was still here? To take the weight of the blame off his brother's shoulders? Then, that was what he would do. Gladly. "You couldn't have done anything, man. Their mission was to kill as many people as possible to prove a point. Better that it was me than you or Rae."
That's where his own tears should've sprung up. While Elliot wasn't able to shed any tears, he did feel a twinge of sadness... and loss... and regret. He hated this. Being unable to touch... anyone. Not being able to hug his brother was beyond painful. "I miss you, too, bro. It's not like I'll be completely gone, though. You'll still have memories... and I'll even let you have all my stuff." Failed attempt at humor. "Who knows, though? Maybe this is it. Maybe I'm just supposed to haunt you for the rest of your life."